Classical Training Vs. Musical Theater (PLEASE HELP!!!!!)

[tinysinger87]

Posted: 3/22/08 at 11:55pm

So, I'm in a program right now, and Its hardcore classical. I have a passion for musical theater.... I take 12 classes. I came to the school with the thought that I would get a great technique for singing, then be on my way 4 years later and go take on Musical theater. I do acting as well, I'm in opera's. But I'm starting to wonder if I'm wasting 4 years.....I don't take any dance right now, which is a problem.
should I transfer?
I would love (need) input from all. I'm really at a loss here!!!
Dont just read the message, RESPOND!!!




Updated On: 3/23/08 at 11:55 PM

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 3/23/08 at 12:19am

Classical Training is EXTREMELY helpful for MT. Singing opera will improve your head voice, and even help you with belting and being more aware of your voice. As for dancing, I have a similar problem so I can't help you there...

[dramatothemax]

Posted: 3/23/08 at 12:28am

As much as legit training will help, musical theatre isn't just about singing. You need to take acting classes as well as jazz, ballet, tap, maybe modern. If you're a belter, legit training can't help you all the way, although a classical AND musical theatre trained vocal teacher will help you more than just a classical trained or just musical theatre trained. Belting definitely isn't a drop your jaw and sing loud technique. I think we all know that, but nonetheless, you definitely need to take classes geared toward musical theatre, if you're serious about pursuing it!

It sounds like you really want to pursue it, so I say transfer. There are a lot of schools that have great classically trained voice teachers that teach musical theatre students (especially Boston Conservatory) :]

[tinysinger87]

Posted: 3/23/08 at 12:30am

i'm worried that I wont get in anywhere b/c I don't dance as well as others.....

[dramatothemax]

Posted: 3/23/08 at 12:56am

Nah. They don't want perfect performers. I didn't even have a dance audition to get into BoCo. As long as you can act, sing and take the space well, you'll be fine.

[Little-Lotte]

Posted: 3/23/08 at 3:14pm

Perhaps you should look into a school like Oklahoma City University. They have a great classical voice program and a great MT program. Since it's obvious you have a talent and an interest in classical why not try to transfer there and apply as both a VP and MT major. If you don't get in MT you can still attend there for VP and take acting and dance classes. Obviously if you got into MT, then you'd be really golden! Either way you would still get the training and opportunities that MTs get!

[dramatothemax]

Posted: 3/23/08 at 4:43pm

Since every girl pretty much ever is a mezzo/belter, I'm sure they would love to have another classical voice in the department.

[Juliash]

Posted: 3/23/08 at 4:45pm

Very true, a friend of mine just auditioned for college and at most of the schools she was the only soprano there (Hartt and BoCo come to mind...)


Just curious, are there usually no dance auditions at BoCo...or were you lucky or something?

[dramatothemax]

Posted: 3/23/08 at 4:58pm

There is a dance audition, but I had a private audition at the Las Vegas unifieds, and only a couple people from the MT dept came and I had to send in a cd of me singing to the head of the dept. The choreographer and the head of the dept were in LA. So I got lucky. But I definitely had enough dance experience.